Prepwork transforms UH’sHinton
When: 7 p.m. today • Where: Virtual format from ESPN studios in Bristol, Conn. • TV: ESPN, NBA
Nate Hinton estimated he has participated in video conference calls with front- office executives from about 20 NBA teams.
“I wore a suit and tie to every interview just because if it was a regular job, that’s what I would be doing,” said Hinton, a former star for the University of Houston.
“I wanted to show I’m a high- character kid, a safe pick, and a great guy that is not only good for the organization on the floor but a great guy for the community and for those around me, a great role model for the kids.”
A 6-5 guard, Hinton has spent “the best eight months of my life” at home in Gastonia, N.C. His days have alternated between the gym at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where his father, Dr. Benjamin
Hinton, is pastor, and a weighttraining facility in Charlotte, about 30 minutes away. He has a personal chef prepare three meals a day and has added 15 pounds to a body that has undergone a makeover. He has taken up yoga. He has refined his game, even working on ballhandling skills to show he can play the point guard position.
All that’s left is for Hinton to hear his namecalled duringWednesday’s NBA draft.
“(The draft) has hit me more and more now that it’s close,” Hinton said this week by phone. “Last week I was kind of numb to it because it seemed so far away. I won’t truly get the real emotions until aftermy name is called. Until then, I’ll be more and more anxious, because this is a lifechanging moment.”
Hinton, 21, has seen his draft stock increase in recent weeks. Most projections have him being selected late in the second round. ESPN has Hinton going No. 58 overall to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Once he “came to peace” with the decision to leave school with two years of eligibility left, Hinton immediately began to train in
case he was invited to private workouts with prospective teams. None of thatwas possible, though, as the coronavirus pandemic continued through the summer and eventually delayed the draft.
The last image of Hinton on the basketball court was his helping lead the Cougars to a second straight American Athletic Conference regular-season title in early March.
“I had to lean on my faith,” Hinton said. “I’ve got to know I put the work in before, and I
can’t play any more games to show whether they like me or not. It’s finding that one team that loves me.”
Among the teams with whom Hinton met virtually were the Rockets, Hornets, Celtics, Mavericks, Clippers, Nets, Magic, Timberwolves, Grizzlies and Bulls.
“Formeto have the opportunity to meet with five, 10, 15 and 20plus teams, this is a blessing and confirms the peace I came to in making my decision (to leave school early),” Hinton said.
Hinton’s final season was his
best at UH as he averaged 10.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 38.7 percent shooting on 3-point attempts. He was selected All-AAC second team. Will that be enough for an NBA franchise to take a chance?
“Look at my film, and you’ll see a guy that plays with his hair on fire,” Hinton said when asked how he sold himself to teams.
Even as COVID-19 limited gatherings, Hinton said his pre-draft routine was rarely interrupted.
“I’ve got the keys to the church gym,” he said. “We’ve been blessed to be nonstop since I came home. We’ve had all-access since the pandemic happened. We haven’t stopped.”
Along with his commitment to eating the “right food,” Hinton said yoga sessions have provided him more flexibility. Following up two years of working with UH’s strength and conditioning staff, regarded as one of the best in the country, Hinton said he “looks and feels different” after adding 15 pounds during weight training since March.
Hinton’s biggest advancement, though, has come off the court.
“I’ve grown up a lot,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot more about myself. I’ve enhancedmymental (side).… There’s a lot of craziness in theworld. I have to remainmyself and take advantage of the moment. Forced to be in the house, forced to not do anything, it’s the first time ever in my life I’m not doing anything. I kind of had to look in the mirror and ask, ‘What am I going to do?’ I’m going to get better mentally and work on my habits.”
OnMonday, Hinton spokewith UH coach Kelvin Sampson, who signed him as part of the Cougars’ 2018 class.
“He wished me luck,” Hinton said. “This whole process, coach Sampson has supported me in my decision and has always been a helping hand. He is the head coach at the University of Houston but family for life.”
By hearing his name called Wednesday, Hinton would become the latest success story for a UH basketball program that has returned to national relevance under Sampson’s watch. Hinton would join guard Damyean Dotson, a second-round pick of the Knicks in 2017, as the second player taken in the NBA draft since Sampson became UH coach in 2014.
“I’m thankful every single day,” Hinton said. “I just have to continue doingmy part. We’ll see what happens.”